Case Study: Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse
Location: Louisville, KY
Industry: Restaurant / Commercial Electrical
General Contractor: Prodigy Construction
Project Overview
Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse is a full-scale restaurant renovation that transformed a former car lot into a high-end dining experience inspired by traditional Brazilian steakhouses. Blake & Co. Electrical Service was brought in through Prodigy Construction after successfully completing electrical work on a previous Italian restaurant project in downtown Louisville.
Due to the quality of that earlier work, Blake & Co. was invited to handle the electrical scope for this new Brazilian steakhouse. The client operates multiple restaurant locations across Tennessee and Kentucky, so expectations for consistency, ambiance, and performance were high.
The project required a complete electrical rebuild. The existing structure was stripped down to its core and rebuilt into a fully functional commercial kitchen and dining space.
Scope of Work
- Full commercial electrical build-out
- Power distribution for commercial kitchen equipment
- Custom lighting installation and dimming controls
- Coordination with out-of-state ownership and evolving design plans
- Electrical system integration with existing main distribution equipment
Project Process
The project began with an initial electrical estimate, but the scope evolved continuously throughout construction. Because the restaurant owners were based in Tennessee, design decisions and layout changes often came mid-project. Blake & Co. maintained flexibility and clear communication to keep progress moving without delays.
Lighting played a critical role in the overall atmosphere. The client had a specific vision for creating a warm, upscale dining environment, requiring precise dimming levels and placement. Blake & Co. worked closely with the construction team to ensure lighting controls delivered the exact mood the client wanted.
From demolition to final installation, the full project timeline spanned approximately nine months. This extended duration was due to the complete structural overhaul required to convert the original car lot into a modern commercial kitchen and dining facility.
Materials and Fixtures
All lighting fixtures and selections were chosen by the client. Blake & Co. Electrical Service handled procurement coordination, installation, and system integration to ensure everything functioned correctly and met commercial electrical standards.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the primary challenges involved sourcing outdated breakers to match the existing main distribution system. Replacement parts were no longer readily available through standard suppliers.
Through industry networking and persistence, the Blake & Co. team located the required breakers from a supplier in Indianapolis. This solution prevented the need for a costly system replacement and kept the project on schedule.
Results
- A fully rebuilt electrical system supporting a high-volume commercial kitchen
- Custom lighting that enhances the dining experience and brand identity
- Reliable power distribution across all restaurant operations
- A satisfied client who trusted BlakeCo to meet the standards of their multi-location restaurant group
